From Spectators in 2023 to Participants in 2024, Sick Week Brings a Father and Son Together for Drag-and-Drive Adventures
Sometimes, racing can pique your interest with just one visit. For Chris Holcombe and son Joshua, that was exactly the case when taking in Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive in 2023.
“I took my son to watch at South Georgia Motorsports Park (SGMP) and Gainesville Raceway for Sick Week,” said Chris Holcombe. “We were both hooked.”
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Now, with the seed planted, Chris wanted them to be able to compete in 2024, and this 1972 Chevrolet Nova was just the ticket. Packing a nitrous-fed 355 cubic inch small block along with a 4-speed transmission, the duo would have the basics for a fun week in the Stick Shift class.
“Orlando hates me,” Chris admitted of the starting and ending point track, where his two slowest runs of the week were handed in. “My car ran good at the other three tracks, but I had problems at Orlando Sunday, Monday and Friday!”
Despite the slowest runs being handed in from Orlando ‘Sick’ World Dragway, Chris and Joshua completed their first drag-and-drive together with a 13.77 average, and a 12.84 at 107 mph bast lap.
“The experience was almost unbelievable,” said Chris of his Sick Week. “No one was a stranger. It was like a big family reunion; if you needed something or broke something, there was advice, knowledge, and assistance from every direction. There was no separation from the guy who brought his street/daily modified car, to the guys who are legends in the sport.”
“I have always enjoyed drag racing because of the family atmosphere, but drag-and-drive is another level beyond that. You can appreciate the overwhelming help you get, and the occasional opportunity to give to someone else's misfortune.”
Chris also enjoyed the time spent with his son, which seems to have lit the fire in him as well. “I attended with my 17-year-old son,” he said. “This was a great opportunity to talk, laugh, work together, inspire each other and give him an avenue to see what direction he wants to go with his spare time... He bought a Fox Mustang roller!”
Although the two had a great time, they may not be done yet in 2024. “Next up is Street-N-Yeet in November,” said Chris. “It is close enough to me, to justify a second event for the year. The determination, getting to help others, and enjoying the event beyond what most vacations will give you.”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of BME Photography and Chris Holcombe.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com